Ian Murray, Ph.D. has been appointed interim associate dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) with the Texas A&M University’s School of Medicine. In the new role, Murray will bring his extensive DEI-related skills to support the institutional strategic initiative in support of embracing cultural differences across the school. Murray will also organize opportunities for positive engagements to augment DEI services and curricular development among core stakeholders, including administration, faculty, staff, students and the general public.
“I appreciate the opportunity to capitalize on my personal training and interests in support of the School of Medicine’s strategic community plan that aims to foster a climate that promotes diversity, inclusion and equity,” said Murray. “I believe education within a diverse setting will prepare varied stakeholders to become good citizens in an increasingly complex, pluralistic society. It fosters mutual respect and teamwork and it helps build inclusive communities.”
Over his academic career, Murray has worked in university settings in Canada, the United Kingdom, Grenada and the United States. These experiences provided him a keen awareness of cultural difference in approaches to learning and social interactions. His active participation in professional development opportunities at Texas A&M has enabled him to complete courses and broaden his understanding of DEI through an Inclusive Teaching Faculty Fellowship from the Center for Teaching Excellence in collaboration with the American College and University Educators’, where he earned a certificate in Effective College Instruction. Likewise, Murray has completed a series of courses through the Faculty Mentoring Academy.
Murray actively serves on global DEI committees with the International Association of Medical Science Educators (EnGAGE and Racial Equity) while he continues to share his knowledge and experiences through participation in both local and national DEI conferences and workshops, including at Texas A&M, the Association of American Medical Colleges group on Diversity and Inclusion.
Murray will remain in his current role as instructional associate professor in the Department of Medical Physiology and School of Engineering Medicine in a reduced role.